Pakistan down Proteas women in final ODI

A batting collapse was the cause of the Proteas women's eight-wicket loss to Pakistan in the third and final ODI on Thursday in Karachi.

Despite South Africa already clinching the ODI series, Laura Wolvaardt's charges would've wanted to end their first-ever tour of Pakistan on a high.

Instead, the Proteas suffered a top-order batting collapse as they were bundled out for 185.

Chasing a mere 186 to win, Pakistan got off to a decent start before Ayabonga Khaka struck as she caught opener Sadaf Shamas for 13.

However, a 110-run second-wicket partnership between Sidra Ameen and Bismah Maroof guided the home side to a comfortable victory as they took on the Proteas attack.

Ameen top-scored with 68 off 82 balls (hitting eight fours) before she was trapped LBW by all-rounder Nadine de Klerk.

Maroof remained unbeaten on 60 off 98 balls and Aliya Riaz's 19 not out helped Pakistan claim the ODI win with 72 balls to spare.

Early on, De Klerk continued her fine form with the bat as she scored her maiden ODI half-century.

After deciding to bat first, the Proteas had the worst possible start with skipper Wolvaardt bowled for a fourth-ball duck.

Tazmin Brits got off to a decent start, scoring 32 off 31 balls before she was caught and bowled by Diana Baig.

The Proteas then lost Lara Goodall, who got struck on the shoulder but returned and made 13.

Delmi Tucker made a valiant 25, while Marizanne Kapp could only manage 21 as Pakistan kept taking wickets to break promising partnerships.

De Klerk, however, continued to show positivity with the bat, bringing up her maiden fifty and going on to score a career-high 60 off 95 balls (hitting three fours).

The Proteas were eventually skittled out for 185.

"The first two ODIs, we played really well and today,